Letter from Assemblyman Kassal about Shabbat Bill to Counter Blue Laws (1962)

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Letter to Assemblyman Kassal about Proposed Legislation to Regulate Shechita (1962)

Dear Bentley: I am writing to you at this time to inform you of my feeling regarding the Calli Bill which has been introduced in the Assembly. This bill would leave it to the Secretary of Agriculture to determine what is a humane method of slaughter of animals. Frankly, this position is unacceptable. We Jews have had a long and sorry history with regard to efforts to curb Shechita under the guise of humaneness. This particular bill does not have adequate provision for the handling of cattle prior to their slaughter. I would, therefore, strongly urge you to do whatever you can to see to it that the bill does not become law.Thank you very much. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Shabbat The Rabbinate

Letter to Assemblyman Volker about Shabbat Bill to Counter Blue Laws (1962)

Dear Assemblyman Volker: As the rabbis of a most important Orthodox Synagogue in Manhattan, we are naturally quite concerned about any legislation which might affect the ability of our congregants, together with Orthodox Jews throughout the city and state, to observe our Sabbath in the manner prescribed by millennia of Jewish law and tradition. As you are well aware, the Blue Laws have a discriminatory effect on observant Jews. We, therefore, are most anxious for provision to be made by the Assembly to enable religious Jews to pursue their livelihood without harassment.It is for this reason that we respectfully urge you to do all within your power to support the Sabbath bills currently being introduced by our Assemblyman, the Honorable Bentley Kassal, and others.We need not emphasize that we speak not only in our behalf but in the name of our entire congregation.Sincerely yours,Rabbi Leo Jung

Shabbat The Rabbinate

Letter to Sol Bernstein about Shabbat Bill to Counter Blue Laws (1962)

Dear Sol: I understand that the question in Albany concerning the Blue Laws has been postponed. May I suggest that you notify me and all other members in New York sufficiently before the bill is again considered in the Senate and the Assembly so that we may conduct a letter-writing campaign in our individual synagogues. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm.

Shabbat The Rabbinate